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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider ‎De Lima proposes congressional inquiry on P7-B Boracay bridge

‎De Lima proposes congressional inquiry on P7-B Boracay bridge

Published May 20, 2026 12:11 pm  |  Updated May 20, 2026 01:03 pm
SUNSET at world-famous Boracay Island. (Tara Yap/File)
SUNSET at world-famous Boracay Island. (Tara Yap/File)
‎ILOILO CITY — A congressional inquiry is being eyed on the proposed Boracay bridge project where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) awarded the P7.78-billion contract to a subsidiary of San Miguel Holdings Corp. despite strong objection from local communities.
‎‎In House Resolution No. 1021, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila De Lima called on the House Committee on Public Works and Highways to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to determine if proper procedures were conducted by the DPWH for the proposed 2.54-kilometer project.
‎‎The call was made following local officials repeatedly questioning how DPWH was able to award the public-private partnership (PPP) contract to SMPH last March 30.
Filed last May 18, De Lima’s resolution wants to determine if “there is compliance with the Local Government Code, including provisions on comprehensive environmental impact assessment and undertaking of adequate and meaningful consultations of affected communities, indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders.”
‎‎Boracay Island is part of Malay, a town in northwest Aklan province. Access to the country’s most famous beach designation has long been via a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland to the resort island and vice versa.
‎‎The unsolicited proposal by SMPH that would link Boracay to mainland Malay has been opposed locally since 2019.
‎‎De Lima’s resolution cited the strong objection and concerns made by the provincial government of Aklan, the municipal government of Malay, the League of Municipalities of the Philippine-Aklan Chapter, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Boracay, and native people.
‎‎There are concerns over the bridge’s negative impact to the environment and the socio-economic side, especially the livelihood of boatmen and the displacement of residents, including the native Ati people.
‎“There is a compelling need to ensure that major infrastructure projects comply with existing laws, uphold environmental sustainability, protect local livelihoods and indigenous communities, and respect the autonomy and participation rights of local government units,” said De Lima in the resolution.
‎‎Former Malay Councilor Nenette Aguirre Graf said the resolution by De Lima is a welcome development.

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Boracay Rep. Leila de Lima Boracay bridge
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